Idol picks 2

As in past years NZ Idol went north and improved. I got a minor buzz then a major one.

Victor is a bright kid and a fast learner. He will go through.

Indira is something else. Her version of Taylor Dayne's Love Will Lead You Back was just gorgeous. As soon as she finished I wanted to hear it again. Shades of Randy Crawford's trueness, Vanessa William's tonality and Gladys Knight's warmth.

Hailing from a reportedly highly disciplined Tongan family, her mum and dad looked on, beamed and hooted, and cried just a tad. This former Miss Tonga competitor is much better suited to a real talent show.